Todt remains at Schumacher’s bed-side at Grenoble hospital

FIA president Jean Todt remains an almost ever-present figure in Grenoble, almost 600 kilometres from his Paris office, while the great Michael Schumacher – one of the former Ferrari top man’s closest friends – lies grievously injured after a late December skiing fall.

Ever since Schumacher’s coma began just after Christmas, the diminutive 67-year-old Todt has fought through the crowds of reporters in order to be with the German.

He is one of very few of Schumacher friends who has been welcomed to Grenoble by the anguished family.

Indeed, the mutual admiration is obvious. On the wall of Todt’s office, only one photo is present – featuring his wife Michelle Yeoh, his son Nicolas, and seven time World Champion Schumacher.

It is now more than a week since doctors began their attempt at waking the 45-year-old from his long coma.

“Michael and his family are very close friends of mine,” Todt told Die Welt. “He is an important part of my life. And now he is seriously injured.”

Frenchman Todt said thathe has tried to give the Schumacher family “every conceivable type of assistance” during these most trying of weeks.

“Often, that is just to be here for them.” he explained.

Regularly, Todt has made the long journey to Grenoble, just to be with his unconscious friend and his family.

“I think he would do it for me, if I had an accident like that,” he said. “I am sure Michael would be here for me.” (GMM)